Former Gov. George Ryan Released From Prison, Arrives At Halfway House [UPDATE]

By Chuck Sudo in News on Jan 30, 2013 4:30PM

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Former Illinois Gov. George Ryan was released from a federal prison and arrived at a halfway house on the city’s West side shortly before 7 a.m. Ryan served over five years of a 6-1/2 year prison sentence for his involvement in a corruption scandal that involved unqualified drivers obtaining commercial driver’s licenses in exchange for contributions to his campaign fund.

Ryan’s supporters and attorneys, including former Gov. James Thompson, lobbied in vain for his early release for years, often arguing that he should be released so he could be at the side of his ailing wife, Lura Lynn. Lura Lynn Ryan died in June 2011; prison officials allowed George Ryan to be by her side as she passed away.

Ryan is supposed to finish out his sentence at the halfway house until July 4. He could be eligible for home confinement in his Kankakee home if he does well there, however. Thompson called Ryan’s release from prison another step in a long journey.

“He would like me to tell you he is grateful to leave the penitentiary, he’s grateful also for the support and encouragement he’s received from many people by way of visits or phone calls or cards or letters,” Thompson said. “He has paid a severe price: The loss of his wife and brother while he was in the penitentiary; the loss of his pension, his office, his good name and 5-1/2 years of imprisonment. Now near 80 years old, that is a significant punishment.”

"He tied his own tie this morning, he hasn't forgotten that," Thompson said. "He's in decent spirits. He has to become accustomed to seeing things differently. . .We came down Michigan Avenue and he was looking at the lights left over from Christmas. That was sort of wonderful, I think. He hasn’t seen the city of Chicago in 5 1/2 years.”

The halfway house, which is operated by the Salvation Army, was also home to such notable local politicians as former Cicero Mayor Betty Loren-Maltese and former Ald. Ed Vrdolyak.

[UPDATE]: Ryan's stay at the halfway home didn't last long. He'll be serving home confinement for the remainder of his sentence.